Dimos Baltas - Böcker

Brachytherapy has become the modality of choice for several cancer localizations, minimizing the possibility of unacceptable risks for healthy tissues and providing a more cost-effective and convenient treatment for patients. Written by leading experts in the physics, development, and implementation of brachytherapy, The Physics of Modern Brachytherapy for Oncology discusses the subject in detail, covering its definition, the basic physics of radiation interaction with matter, radionuclides, sources and source production, calibration and dosimetry protocols as well as experimental dosimetry methods appropriate for practical use.Logically organized, the book begins with basic information, including quantities and units, followed by fundamental atomic and nuclear physics. It also provides the historical background of brachytherapy physics. The next several chapters discuss the radionuclides used in brachytherapy, reflecting upon past (radium), present (iridium or cobalt), and future (ytterbium) methods. The book proceeds to examine source calibration and dosimetry protocols for dose rate calculation while the final chapters explore more recent processes, including Monte Carlo-aided, experimental, and gel dosimetry. The appendices provide useful tables of isotopes, unit conversions and physical constants, brachytherapy sources, TG-43 and TG-43 U1 data tables, and dose rate tables.Detailing the physics behind brachytherapy treatment, The Physics of Modern Brachytherapy for Oncology is essential reading for researchers, practicing radiation oncologists, and medical physicists who want to keep abreast of the developments in this changing field as well as for postgraduate students in medical physics.

Brachytherapy has become the modality of choice for several cancer localizations, minimizing the possibility of unacceptable risks for healthy tissues and providing a more cost-effective and convenient treatment for patients. Written by leading experts in the physics, development, and implementation of brachytherapy, The Physics of Modern Brachytherapy for Oncology discusses the subject in detail, covering its definition, the basic physics of radiation interaction with matter, radionuclides, sources and source production, calibration and dosimetry protocols as well as experimental dosimetry methods appropriate for practical use.Logically organized, the book begins with basic information, including quantities and units, followed by fundamental atomic and nuclear physics. It also provides the historical background of brachytherapy physics. The next several chapters discuss the radionuclides used in brachytherapy, reflecting upon past (radium), present (iridium or cobalt), and future (ytterbium) methods. The book proceeds to examine source calibration and dosimetry protocols for dose rate calculation while the final chapters explore more recent processes, including Monte Carlo-aided, experimental, and gel dosimetry. The appendices provide useful tables of isotopes, unit conversions and physical constants, brachytherapy sources, TG-43 and TG-43 U1 data tables, and dose rate tables.Detailing the physics behind brachytherapy treatment, The Physics of Modern Brachytherapy for Oncology is essential reading for researchers, practicing radiation oncologists, and medical physicists who want to keep abreast of the developments in this changing field as well as for postgraduate students in medical physics.

Now in its second edition, Comprehensive Brachytherapy: Physical and Clinical Aspect presents a fully updated, detailed, and comprehensive account of the underlying physics and practice of modern brachytherapy, including the design and implementation of new technologies and techniques.Combining research and application, this foundational text provides insight into the technological and biological basis, as well as quality assurance and advanced methods. It explores clinical protocols and discusses major advances in imaging, robotics, dosimetry, Monte Carlo-based dose calculation, and optimization. Alongside practical guidance for practitioners, this second edition includes brand new chapters on clinical uses, including skin brachytherapy and brachytherapy for head and neck cancers.Key Features:Provides comprehensive coverage of modern brachytherapy physicsDiscusses major technical advances in brachytherapy and provides guidance on quality assurance methodsContains new chapters dedicated to specific clinical applicationsThis easily digestible book is a core text for brachytherapy courses and will be of use and relevance to students studying both medical physics and radiation oncology. Surgical oncology specialists will also find this book of interest.

Modern brachytherapy is one of the most important oncological treatment modalities requiring an integrated approach that utilizes new technologies, advanced clinical imaging facilities, and a thorough understanding of the radiobiological effects on different tissues, the principles of physics, dosimetry techniques and protocols, and clinical expertise. A complete overview of the field, Comprehensive Brachytherapy: Physical and Clinical Aspects is a landmark publication, presenting a detailed account of the underlying physics, design, and implementation of the techniques, along with practical guidance for practitioners.Bridging the gap between research and application, this single source brings together the technological basis, radiation dosimetry, quality assurance, and fundamentals of brachytherapy. In addition, it presents discussion of the most recent clinical practice in brachytherapy including prostate, gynecology, breast, and other clinical treatment sites. Along with exploring new clinical protocols, it discusses major advances in imaging, robotics, dosimetry, Monte Carlo-based dose calculation, and optimization.